Rush on before end

The head of Manaia PHO says Healthy Homes Tai Tokerau insulating thousands of Northland homes is one of the most significant health initiatives in his nine years with the organisation.

Chris Farrelly says the scheme has come on leaps and bounds since the local PHO retro-fitted 10 homes six years ago under the banner of Warm Up Whangarei. More than 5000 have been completed and the work has created jobs for 50 people.

Manaia PHO receives referrals from local health providers of families who would benefit from the scheme.

"The big thing is that we're only half-way there - Warm Up New Zealand finishes next June," Mr Farrelly said.

"In Northland, we have a shocking housing stock and rheumatic fever is linked to poor housing so we are going for broke to try to do as many as we can."

Mr Farrelly says now is the time to register your interest in the subsidy scheme as there's normally a rush as the weather cools.